John Thorp

A new venue promising to stir up the Manchester clubs and art scene, Hidden promises four individual rooms making up the club space, a roof shaking Neuron Pro Audio soundsystem and plenty of surplus space for experimental art and idiosyncratic graffiti.

New Years Eve’s what you make of it. While it’s easy to get caught up in endless chilly taxi queues and bolshy crowds, there are several Manchester parties this season that either cut the fat or promise something extra special to lure you away from the Hootenanny. You can find just a selection of said parties listed below. Stay safe, and have a goodun' for us. Albert Hall - New Years Eve and New Year’s Day, £19.50After a 2015 that saw the grandiose Manchester venue cemented as an outright success within the city, especially with the opening of Bavarian tinged ‘Albert’s Schloss’ next door, both their New Years parties impress with their lineups for both New Years Eve and New Years Day. The former is set to impress with a host of talent from Black Butter Records, a label ubiquitous over the last year or two thanks to acts like Rudimental and Preditah, both of whom will be DJing on the night. Equally exciting is an appearance from the always rabble rousing dub and dancehall legend David Rodigan MBE, and further flawless party starting from Mele, and Oneman B2B with his Bristol brethren, My Nu Leng. Lazers, CO2 cannons and a barrage of lasers are promised to accompany the madness, naturally. The following day, both Albert Hall and the aforementioned Albert’s Schloss are both open ‘As One’ for a two room party running from 8PM-5AM, exclusively focused on a more house, techno and disco oriented aesthetic than the previous evening’s heavy handed aesthetic. Following on from his rece

If you're looking for NYE party ideas, then we've a special guide on the way, but in the mean time, there's still a wealth of fantastic festive gigs and club nights prior to Turkey day. Here's just a selection (box) of choices. Willis Earl Beal - Night and Day, Wednesday 2nd DecemberChicago based Soul from breakthrough lo-fi solo singer-songwriter, Willis Earl Beal. Peaches - Islington Mill, Thursday 3rdProvocative electro goddess Peaches returns to Manchester after too long with her playful and subversive live show, playing material from her recent, long-awaited sixth album, Rub, alongside her back catalogue of filthy minded classics. Guy Garvey - Albert Hall, Friday 4thManchester’s troubadour, the nicest man in indie rock, and so on and so forth, the lead singer of beloved group Elbow goes solo with no problem at all, with a quietly anthemic showcase of his spin-off material at the Albert Hall. New Order - Warehouse Project, Saturday 5thMaking a triumphant return to a hometown hero’s welcome, pioneering electronic group and untouchable pop band Joy Division return for one of two nights at The Warehouse Project, with Factory Floor in tow, and DJs Erol Alkan, Horse Meat Disco and Will Tramp. Chow Down w/ MSSINGNO - Soup Kitchen, Saturday 5thExperimental bass movements from MSSINGNO, and grime and rave classics from the crew at Chow Down. Django Django - Albert Hall, Sunday 6thFollowing the runaway success of their debut LP, experimental leaning art pop band Django Django visi

If you’re after tips for New Years’ and ‘Betwixtmas’ musical events, then fear not; Time Out Leeds have a specialist guide arriving shortly. In the meantime, there’s still a busy month of live music and DJs in the city through until the big day. Here’s just a selection. Willis Earl Beal - Headrow House, Tuesday 1stCharming singer-songwriter out of Chicago, Willis Earl Beal returns to Leeds for a charming winter performance. Polar Bear - Headrow House, Wednesday 2ndContemporary jazz ensemble Polar Bear continue to delight fans and new converts alike, mixing experimental impulses with a surprisingly pop aesthetic. Lanterns On The Lake - Brudenell Social Club, Thursday 3rdEthereal, understated yet quietly dramatic, Lanterns on the Lake have gained a following over three albums for their intimate and powerful live performances. Clandestino - Distrikt Bar, Friday 4thThe classy disco and acid night returns with residents, and enigmatic cult selector Ivan Smagghe, playing lo-slung sleaze and out there house music. Tropical - Canal Mills, Saturday 5thDefinitive and roof shaking lineup of UK grime featuring scene heroes such as JME, Preditah, Plastician, Slimzee and more on the decks and on the mic. Django Django - Leeds University, Saturday 5thCelebrated British art-rock band Django Django returned earlier this year with their second LP, Born Under Saturn. They play old favourites and new cuts at this much awaited University gig. Alt-J - First Direct Arena, Sunday 6thMercury winners

Harking back to the classic days of underground and off-the-radar raves, Red Bull return this weekend to Leeds with the city’s first edition of #0800R1NG2AV3, or rather ‘0800-Ring-2-Rave', and the free, party on the relative downlow offers the opportunity for energetic punters to do just that. Or Tweet2Rave, to be more accurate. With previous editions having featured across the spectrum of house, grime, bass and DnB - including, but not exclusive to bonafide legends such as Shy FX, Fabio & Grooverider and newcomers such as Moxie - the names on the bill won’t be revealed to the day, and neither will the location, although we’re promised by Red Bull’s cunning rave crew that it’s perfectly accessible within Leeds itself. To get involved, you’ll need to get on Twitter and start spreading the word, tweeting #0800R1NG2AV3. Lucky potential ravers will receive a Tweet back this Saturday morning letting them know all the necessary details, so keep your eyes on your @s in the meantime. To get you in the mood, you can listen to the aforementioned set from Fabio and Grooverider at Red Bull Music Academy’s website. Good luck, and rave safe!  

November may well bring with it the start of the proper winter chills but its live music couldn't be any hotter in Leeds this month as our varied round up of the month's best gigs goes to show.  Super Hexagon/Helena Hauff - Tuesday 3rd Gritty techno and turbulent acid house styles are the order of the evening at another edition of Super Hexagon, when the uncompromising German DJ Helena Hauff arrives to spin alongside the night’s knowledgeable residents. A midweek treat with a dark heart. Deerhunter - Brudenell Social Club, Wednesday 4th Acclaimed, psychedelia tinged indie rock outfit Deerhunter return to the road in promotion of their excellent new LP, Fading Frontier. Support comes from enigmatic lead singer Bradford Cox in his woozy, trippy Atlas Sound guise. Ex Hex - Headrow House, Saturday 7th American punk rock band Ex-Hex have a sound rooted in classic garage rock and punk, accurately describing their sound as “the band your friend’s older brother used to listen to”, and already widely acclaimed for their thumping live performances. Imagine Dragons - First Direct Arena, Tuesday 10th Chart busting, ubiquitous pop rock from a band with a very silly name, and the command of a huge audience. Expect choruses and riffs primed to rip the roof off. Wavves - Belgrave Music Hall, Friday 13th Scuzzy, surf and punk rocker Wavves continues to evolve his singular aesthetic on recent record, No Life For Me, while his live shows always remain energetic showcases for his raw talent. Mr.

Morrissey claims that November spawned a monster - it certainly spawned a monstrous number of gigs to fork out for if you love your live music...McAlmont and Butler - The Ritz, Tuesday 3rdWith only two albums to their name, the duo reunite to sing live once again some of the most perfect riock pop of the last few decades. Yes, we do feel better, thanks for asking.Metz - Sound Control, Wednesday 4th Acclaimed, maximal hardcore noise from a minimal trio hailing from Ontario, their worshipped live shows always bring a healthy crowd and yes, lots of noise out in Manchester. DJ Spinn - Soup Kitchen, 5thHaving co-founded the legendary Teklife label with former Project 13 guest, the late DJ Rashad, the technically astounding and high energy DJ Spinn returns to Soup Kitchen’s basement. Armed with folders full of footwork’s past and future, expect to dance hard and fast. Deerhunter - The Ritz, Friday 6th Perhaps one of the finest alternative bands working today, Deerhunter play their largest Manchester gig yet at The Ritz, showcasing their new record, Fading Frontier. Returning to the roots of the wistful psychedelia on which they made their name, they can still command bigger and bigger rooms with ease. Support comes from lead singer Bradford Cox in his equally acclaimed Atlas Sound guise. C.A.R. and Ivan Smagghe - Islington Mill, Friday 6th Dark and occasionally sleazy electronica, disco and slo-mo techno is the order of the evening over at Islington Mill, when Cowbell Radio return

Celebrating 21 Years with 21 Artists, the beloved Manchester club brand Sankeys returns to the city after a summer on the White Isle in Ibiza, with a much more industrial proposition, when the next step of Sankeys Evolution occupies Old Trafford’s vast Victoria Warehouse space. Heading up the extensive four arena bill are Basement Jaxx, playing a DJ set that’s sure to cover both their current tastes and feature a few classics from their celebrated back catalogue as one of the most innovative dance-pop bands to ever emerge from the UK. Armand Van Helden, one of house music’s solid-gold stars brings his midas touch to the venue’s main stage; check out his recent Boiler Room B2B with Jackmaster to witness how he can still transform a party. On a similarly retro tip, Crystal Waters will be performing live, dealing out doses of Gypsy Woman and 100% Pure Love, of course. Away from the 4/4 sounds, DJ Yella of NWA fame gives hip-hop a nod on the lineup, which is predominantly made up of house and bass favourites, returning and debuting at the club. Highlights include deep house from Clive Henry, D’Julz and residents Greg Vickers B2B Jozef K in the Tribal Sessions room, and heavier business from the likes of East End Dubs and Igluu in the Magna Carta Room. RIP Groove, of speed garage fame and classic anthem, Double 99, is also on hand, as well as a nod to the club’s heritage in a set from Miguel Manzano, one of Sankeys Soap’s original bar residents. Taking place from Sat 17 October 9p

Following the annual end of summer blowout, Mint Festival at Wetherby Racecourse, it’s back to basics for the overground/underground clubbing brand back in the city centre, as Mint Club announces a raft of names for its upcoming autumn/winter season, offering plenty of talent from the worlds of house, techno and beyond. Disco kings No Way Back return with three parties, hosting some of the sharpest producers on the edit in funk and boogie, with Joey Negro and Ashley Beedle (October 9) plus Danny Krivit and Purple Disco Machine (December 11) all throwing down amongst residents Lucy Locket and Haydn Porter. They’re also teaming up with the more soulfully tinged Slowdown Sounds for a special, collaborative party in November, that sees DJ sets from Kon, The Reflex and Tony Finger, alongside funk friendly live performances from DJ Format and Flame Griller (November 13). Slowdown Sounds themselves have also bagged some impressive acts; their Third Birthday (October 30) features UK legend and MBE, Norman Jay with Mr. Thing on hand, whereas December’s party features a live set from Big Daddy Kane (December 4) In house party Mint Sessions continues to deliver Ibiza and festival favourites returned to a more intimate setting, kicking off with Radio One favourite B Traits (October 1), nu-house hero Huxley (October 22) and Half Pony of Little Dragon with Leon Vynehall (October 24). System meanwhile specialise in the rolling tech house beloved in the city, showcasing Rhadoo (October 3), C

Manchester hardly has an issue rallying together for the sake of a good party, but some of the city’s most experienced promoters and best known local faces have recruited a wealth of talent in aid of People Over Borders, aiming to contribute funds to assist the thousands of refugees being forced to flee Syria. Raising money for The Syria Relief charity, all proceeds will go to providing medical supplies, doctors, food, aid, clothing and other vital items. You just need to buy a ticket to get involved. Oh, and turn up and dance, if you could. Taking place over all three floors of The Deaf Institute on Sunday 20th September, the event encompasses DJs, live and acoustic acts, mixing legendary talent with fresh faces. In the venue’s grandiose but intimate ballroom, you’ll find classic Manchester acts like A Certain Ratio, Badly Drawn Boy and Rowetta, alongside radar crossing performances from Horsebeach, Dubsex and Black Rivers, the new band from two thirds of Doves. In dancefloor terms, the rave atmosphere is guaranteed to start up early and just keep going, with luminary heads such as Krysko, Chris Duckenfield and Luke Unabomber on hand, alongside classic and contemporary Hacienda informed selections from Dave Haslam and Graeme Park. Meanwhile, Jason Boardman, Rob Bright and Finders Keepers boss/original digger Andy Votel will be honing on the more eclectic, doubtlessly balearic vibes. Of course, the lineup is just a bonus for what’s a truly valuable, urgent cause on a global s

Aiming to fight homelessness within the Leeds area while getting firmly stuck into an evening of seriously heavy techno, cult act Chromonautz have lined up another of their acclaimed, no-holds-barred SECT parties in order to raise money for Shelter. The party will take place at Leeds' Wharf Chambers on September 11th, kicking off at 8PM. Open minded and charitable ravers can expect a set of "acid soaked techno" par excellence from visiting Cambridge DJ, The Subdermic. Dronelock will be pushing raw, analogue boundaries in his live set and locally known Joanna will offer a baffling showcase of live coding. Boss of interanationally known cult label Opal Tapes, Basic House, will also be joining in the mix, headlined by a live set from He/aT, the hard hitting techno alias of Chris Finke. To get involved in the party, you can register for guestlist with a donation of £4 or more, here. You'll also need to join Wharf Chambers Co-Operative Club for a mere £1 in order to attend, after which you'll have full access to the arts cooperative's rich range of yearly events, as well as showing your support for the local culture scene. See more Music and Nightlife in Time Out Leeds.  

The mass distribution of pizza vouchers, the extra vomit in doorways, the overcrowding of buses, the gradual wearing of extra laters and the hypnotic thump of massive choons; just a few giveaway signs that yes, summer is over, and the students are back, with Manchester once again stepping up it’s club game for the season to appeal to the educational masses and beyond. With new club Hidden now not so er, hidden, there’s a strong variety of parties to savour, alongside the looming return of Warehouse Project. Buckle up! Soup Kitchen have been consistently partying all summer, but of course, they’re not slowing down for September. Scottish rave elders Slam are still hot on point, and return to play for Rhythm Theory after a rambuctious 2014 visit that saw more than a few tops off for a finale of Levon Vicent’s classic ‘Man or Mistress’. Thursday 10th sees the debut of Body Clock, a new monthly techno haven debuting with an impressive lineup. Factory Floor’s Gabe Gurnsey showcases his solo material live, alongside raw and pummelling stuff from Shift Work and a concluding set from Bleaching Agent, a techno artist just as uncompromising as his name. You won’t have to look far in the city to find somebody eagerly anticipating Friday 11th September, when Todd Terje returns to Manchester for a full live show with his band, The Olsens, taking place in the grandiose and unique surroundings of Manchester Cathedral. The venue has seen plenty of performances in the past, ranging from Elbow

Haven't You Heard returns after a brief hiatus, with another grab bag of recent tunes from alternative club culture, the North West scene and beyond. What can we say? There's been a lot of music released in the past month, and this is definitely some of it. High Places - Barnt (E-Mix)Jamie XX’s album might have split opinion between the 6Music/’serious dance heads’ earlier in the summer, but nobody could really deny the power of lead single ‘High Places’, one of two collaborations between himself and fellow xx bandmate, Romy. A sunset primed festival anthem laced with bittersweet euphoria, it's now been remixed by an impressive collection of producers including Matthew Herbert, Paul Woolford in his pounding Special Request guise, and John Talabot, whose slow burning ‘Loud Synths Reconstruction’ has arguably garnered the most attention thus far. But it’s the typically clinical German producer Barnt who surprises most, allowing the fragile vocals of Romy to speak for themselves before producing another of his deeply satisfying industrial basslines, reinterpreting the original into something both heartbreaking and fist pumping. Life’s Track - Call It YouCombining house, breakbeat, soul and techno Life’S Track (note the all important capital S) is the collaborative project of Italian producers Duwka and Herva, in their own words, producing based on a futuristic and freestyle ethos. Their debut LP, Venere, out now on the very Italian sounding Bosconi Records, certainly zips throu